Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Kirstie Allsopp has advised homeowners to “think twice” before painting a room in their home grey. Although the colour has become increasingly popular in recent years, the Location, Location, Location presenter said she is “yet to see it done really successfully”, especially when it comes to enhancing the natural light in a room.MORE: Inside Location, Location, Location star Kirstie Allsopp’s stunning homes in London and DevonThe mum-of-two, whose festive show Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas airs on Friday at 8pm, said that painting walls grey can impact on the light in a room, and instead recommended paler tones and off-white for the best effect.WATCH: Katherine Heigl shares tour inside stunning…

HOME AND DIY RETAIL NEWS 3 December, 2025 | by Angela Beevers Victorian Plumbing has posted a 5% increase in full year revenue to £310 million after order volume grew by 6% to a record 1.1 million orders. In the year to 30 September, average order value decreased by 1% overall but rose by 3% year-on-year in the second half of the bathroom retailer’s financial year. Adjusted EBITDA climbed by 17% to £31.8 million although adjusted pre-tax profit decreased by 6% to £21.8 million. Meanwhile, pre-tax profit rose to £15.1 million from £9 million in the prior year. Tiles and…

“A scaffolding division was a natural progression for Stowen because it aligns with our core services supporting construction, energy and industrial projects,” said Cameron Silom, technical director of Stowen Scaffolding and Access Ltd. “Scaffolding plays a critical role in ensuring safe access and structural support, particularly in challenging environments like offshore platforms and complex industrial sites where Stowen already has a strong presence.” Over the past decade, Stowen has made its mark in the energy sector, securing multi-million-pound contracts for some of the region’s largest offshore wind farms. It is now looking to build on this success with further growth…

BHT Sussex has launched its annual Christmas appeal in the hope of raising at least £30,000 towards the cost of running the vital services provided at its First Base Day Centre. The charity, formerly known as Brighton Housing Trust, said: “Your gift can keep hope alive for people experiencing homelessness this winter. “As winter approaches, many of us look forward to warmth, a hot meal and the comfort of home. But for people sleeping rough in Brighton and Hove, the season brings freezing nights, isolation and danger. “At First Base, we offer more than shelter. We provide safety, dignity, and…

Important Tool for Designers Provides Cradle-to-Grave Assessment RESTON, Va., December 01, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Brick Industry Association (BIA) announces a new Industry Average Environmental Product Declaration (IA EPD) for clay masonry products including clay brick, structural clay tile, thin brick and clay brick pavers. The 2025 Clay Masonry Products Industry Average EPD expands the scope of BIA’s 2020 EPD to a cradle-to-grave assessment. It covers the entire life cycle of clay brick masonry from manufacturing to end-of-life to showcase brick’s longevity and durability. Notably, there is little to no environmental impact during the maintenance and use stage. The EPD provides designers…

This strategy outlines how groups will support those caring for family and friends across the county and is currently being updated. In the update, they are interested in how well carers think their identified priorities meet their current needs. These priorities include more recognition and support for carers, a better understanding of out-of-hours and backup support options, and assistance at each stage to help prevent carer breakdown. There is also a focus on correctly identifying and supporting carers from vulnerable communities, and on limiting financial hardship linked to caring. To register an interest in strategy development or to learn more,…

The arrests by Counter Terrorism Policing South East officers took place in the Eastbourne and Brighton areas today (December 4). The force said they formed part of a planned intelligence-led operation into extreme right-wing terrorism. Those arrested were a 27-year-old woman from Hailsham, and three men from Eastbourne; aged 33, 36 and 41. All were arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and are currently in police custody. Search activity at residential properties is currently ongoing.  Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Rayland said: “I am aware that investigations of this nature can cause people in the local…

This cutting-edge integration ensures homeowners can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind without the need for costly upgrades.According to the Office for National Statistics, 817 homes are broken into in the UK every day, and with each burglary costing victims an average of £3,030 (Home Office), reliable security is not just important, it’s essential.Reliant’s partnership with Kubu Smart Security delivers a solution that addresses this growing concern, offering advanced features to protect homes and families.Nick Allen, marketing director at Reliant Windows, said: “Kubu goes beyond the capabilities of traditional security alarms. While most systems simply respond after a break-in…

NETA – the InterNational Electrical Testing Association – has announced the PowerTest26 Conference, convening in Nashville, Tenn., on March 2 – 6, 2026. PowerTest26 will feature its traditional in-depth training sessions but also offer fresh experiences and expanded learning opportunities — from expert-led hands-on instruction, a technology showcase, and Safety Immersion Experience to flexible learning formats. In addition, attendees can preview the upcoming EPIC Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 11 – 13, 2026. NEW TO POWERTEST26 Electrical Safety Immersion Experience, Booth #923 at PowerTest26 Trade Show (March 3, 2026) Step into Booth #923 at the PowerTest26 Trade Show on…

 Magnet fishing is a hobby where people use high-powered magnets to retrieve metal objects from rivers, canals and lakes. The activity has surged on social media in recent years, but it can also lead to alarming discoveries, from firearms to suspected explosive devices requiring police intervention. FOI data obtained by Mountain Skip Hire from Cambridgeshire Constabulary shows 29 magnet-fishing-related incidents recorded between 2022 and September 2025. After a drop in 2023, activity has risen again, with seven incidents recorded in 2025, more than any year since 2022. RECOMMENDED READING: Peterborough councillor charged with 26 sexual offences including rape  Weapons, suspicious devices…